Parliament resumed yesterday for business after two months recession. It will deliberate on several bills and go through the 2022 budget to be presented soon before it goes for Christmas break.
One of the bills before the 8th Parliament I’d the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as Anti LGBTQI bill. This bill seeks to criminalise all activities including the promotion or LGBTQI in Ghana. Although the practices are already illegal, the anti LGBTQI bill when passed into law will prescribe stiffer punishment to offenders.
A section of the public has advocated for transparent and open discussion and voting on the private member’s bill. To them, it will help to know which MP is for or against the bill for purpose of election. Some MPs were against this method as they described it as a blackmail
Well, on its first day of sitting for the last quarter, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin had to rule on this. According to Mr. Bagbin, everything about this bill will be done in a transparent and open manner. He said the discussion, arguments and counter arguments will be opened to the public. On the method of voting the Speaker said it will be open so we know where each member stands.
He made this ruling on the floor of parliament on Tuesday monitored by CitizenOne.
Mr. Bagbin also cautioned that he will not accept any delays on the bill. He observed that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was of national interest and as such Parliament should do everything within its power not to disappoint the public.
He noted the divergent opinions on the bill. He said those ideas were welcomed as they will make the law rich.
CitizenOne will closely monitor the deliberations on the bill and bring up to minute update to readers.
CitizenOne
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